Amanda Bynes was released from custody Friday following her arrest on charges of reckless endangerment, marijuana possession and tampering with evidence after allegedly throwing a bong out of her apartment window in New York. The "Easy A" actress claimed the piece of glass was actually “just a vase,” not a drug-smoking device.

"My client completely denies illegally throwing anything out of her window," said her attorney, Andrew Friedman.

Bynes’ somewhat inconsistent defense, which for now we’ll take at face value, soon could place her in the pantheon of most-creative show business excuses.

While many people in trouble with the law try to explain away their misdeeds with inventive stories, celebrities seem to have a special talent for ingenious (if not wholly implausible) explanations.

Here’s a collection of some of the better A-list excuses. Be sure to vote for your favorite at the end.

Charlie Sheen, following an apparent bender that left a New York hotel room in shambles: "What we are able to determine is that Charlie had an adverse reaction to some medication and was taken to the hospital," his publicist said.

Paris Hilton, after being arrested when a small bag of cocaine fell out of her purse during a Las Vegas traffic stop: That the purse, which contained her personal effects, wasn’t really hers and that she thought that the cocaine was gum.

Britney Spears, after attacking a photographer’s car with an umbrella: “I was preparing my character for a role in a movie where the husband never plays his part so they switch places accidentally. I take all my roles very seriously and got a little carried away.”

Janet Jackson’s tear-away outfit at the Super Bowl: "I am sorry that anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction during the halftime performance of the Super Bowl," Justin Timberlake said. "It was not intentional and is regrettable."

Eddie Murphy after being pulled over for having a transvestite prostitute in his car: "For years and years I'd go to corners where there are prostitutes and give them $5,000 and $10,000 to go home and get off the street.”

Lindsay Lohan not showing up for court when she was partying in Cannes: “Her passport was stolen," her attorney said. “She is doing everything in her power to get a temporary passport and get home.”

Martin Lawrence, for yelling at motorists in the middle of Ventura Boulevard with a gun in his pants: “Mr. Lawrence … [is] suffering from a case of complete exhaustion and dehydration," his publicist said.

Reese Witherspoon, after interfering with the arrest of her husband for driving under the influence: "I think I played a lawyer in a movie so many times, I think I am a lawyer.”

Michael Richards, for a profane, racist tirade during a stand-up comedy appearance: “I got heckled and I took it badly.… I work in a very uncontrolled manner on stage.”